Working from home health and safety checklists

Working from home has become part of everyday life for many teams. But whether someone is working from home full time, occasionally, or as part of a hybrid setup, health and safety responsibilities still apply.

This page brings together two practical checklists designed to help both employers and employees stay on top of safe home working.

• Working from home compliance checklist for employers: This checklist helps employers understand their legal responsibilities and how to support remote workers.

• Working from home compliance checklist for employees: This helps employees sense check their own set-up and build small habits that protect their health and wellbeing.

Together, they offer a simple starting point for managing health and safety when work happens outside the office.

Working from home checklist for employers

Whether your team works from home, in the office, or both, your responsibilities for your employees’ health and safety are the same.

If you’re a manager or employer in an SME, this checklist will help you meet legal health and safety duties for employees who work from home and respond appropriately to issues raised. 

Workspace and environment 

Do all remote workers have: 

 ▢ Stable desk or tables suitable for regular work?

 ▢ Chairs that are stable and comfortable? 

 ▢ Workspaces that are well lit and ventilated?

 ▢ Noise levels allow them to work safely and comfortably?

 ▢ Window coverings, such as blinds or curtains?

 ▢ Sufficient space to move safely?

 ▢ A work area free of trip hazards such as trailing cables and clutter?

 ▢ Electrical equipment in safe and in good condition?

 ▢ Clear guidance on how to report faulty equipment 

Fire safety and first aid

Do all remote workers have:

 ▢ Working smoke alarms in their home (one per floor)?

 ▢ Clear exit routes from their work areas?

  ▢ Clear guidance on what to do and who to contact in an emergency situation

 ▢ Clear guidance on what counts as and how to report work-related incidents and accidents?

 ▢ Access to basic first aid supplies? 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) set-up

Do all remote workers have:

 ▢ A chair that provides adequate back support and has adjustable seat height and back support?

 ▢ A screen positioned directly in front of them and at a comfortable viewing distance?

 ▢ The top of their screen roughly at eye level? This can be achieved by using a monitor or laptop stand.

 ▢ A separate keyboard and mouse for regular laptop work, positioned so arms feel relaxed?

 ▢ Enough space available for all equipment and to rest the wrists and forearms?

 ▢ A screen that is clear, stable and free from excessive glare?

 ▢ A footrest or the ability to lay their feet flat on the floor while working?

 ▢ The ability to take regular breaks?

You must also:

 ▢ Check that, if a remote employee is using a separate screen or monitor, it can tilt and swivel.

 ▢ Fund eye tests for all employees who use display screen equipment - whether they work from home or in office - and make sure that all employees are aware of this entitlement. It is recommended this happens every two years.

 ▢ Make sure that any reported aches, pains or discomfort are addressed. 

Working with paper documents and other devices

You should provide safety advice for remote workers who work with paper documents, hand-write or draw, or use smart phones or tablets for work.

When working with paper documents, employees should:

 ▢ Have the option of using document holders.

 ▢ Avoid twisting or reaching.

 ▢ Have adequate lighting.

For extended handwriting or drawing, employees should:

 ▢ Be able to maintain neutral wrist posture.

 ▢ Have their forearms supported.

 ▢ Be able to take regular breaks.

When using smartphones and tablets, employees should:

 ▢ Avoid prolonged unsupported use.

 ▢ Raise devices where possible.

 ▢ Avoid cradling phones between the shoulder and ear. 

Staying connected, lone working and wellbeing

Employees who work from home are considered lone workers, as they are working without direct supervision or immediate support.

Under health and safety law, you must assess any risks associated with lone working and take reasonable steps to manage them. This includes mental health risks.

You should take reasonable steps to make sure that remote workers have:

 ▢ Regular contact with their manager and team

 ▢ A clear process for raising issues and concerns

 ▢ Clear guidance on working hours and expectations

 ▢ A manageable workload

 ▢ Clear boundaries around out-of-hours contact

You should also make sure that any signs of stress, isolation or burnout are identified, recorded and addressed.

Any lone working and wellbeing risks should be considered as part of your overall risk assessment process and reviewed where working arrangements change. 

Other important considerations

You should also make sure that:

 ▢ Reasonable adjustments have been considered where relevant.

 ▢ Health and safety guidance and training have been provided where needed.

 ▢ Any employees who work from home and use display screen equipment have completed a DSE assessment at home and for all other working locations.

 ▢ Any employees who work from home have completed working from home risk assessment.

 ▢ Home working risk assessments and DSE assessments are reviewed regularly and when:

• Working arrangements change

• The employee moves home

• New equipment is introduced

• Discomfort or incidents are reported 

Working from home checklist for employees

When you work from home, your employer still has a duty of care. And you still have a responsibility to take reasonable care of your own health and safety.

This isn’t about paperwork. It’s about small, sensible habits that help you stay safe, comfortable and compliant.

Use these daily and weekly prompts to keep yourself on track. 

Sense check your set-up

Each day, ask yourself:

 ▢ Am I working somewhere stable and suitable, not from the sofa or bed?

 ▢ Is my lower back supported by my chair?

 ▢ Are my feet flat on the floor, or supported by something stable?

 ▢ Are my shoulders relaxed, not hunched? Are my elbows close to my body and roughly at a right angle?

 ▢ Is my screen directly in front of me, not off to one side?

 ▢ Is the top of my screen roughly at eye level so I’m not bending my neck?

 ▢ Am I about an arm’s length away from the screen?

 ▢ Is there any glare from windows or lights making me squint?

 ▢ Am I using a separate keyboard and mouse for longer periods of work?

 ▢ Am I changing position regularly rather than staying in one fixed posture?

Small adjustments now can prevent back, neck and wrist problems later.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t push through it. Adjust your set-up or speak to your manager about support. 

Move frequently

It’s easy to sit for hours without noticing.

During the day:

 ▢ Stand up and stretch at least once an hour

 ▢ Move around while on calls where you can

 ▢ Rest your eyes away from the screen regularly

 ▢ Take regular breaks

Small breaks help prevent aches, fatigue and long-term issues. 

Keep an eye on your electrics

At home, you’re responsible for spotting obvious risks.

Every week, take a quick look:

 ▢ Are plugs and cables in good condition?

 ▢ Are extension leads overloaded?

If your work equipment is damaged or faulty, report it. Don’t try to fix it yourself. 

Stay safe from slips, trips and distractions

Accidents can happen - even at home.

 ▢ Keep your workspace and walkways clear of clutter and cables

 ▢ Make sure the area is well lit

 ▢ Keep drinks away from electrical equipment

 ▢ Avoid working in spaces where you’re likely to be interrupted in a way that could cause accidents

If you hurt yourself (or nearly do) while working, report it to your manager as soon as possible. 

Think about your fire safety

You’re unlikely to think about this day to day, but it matters.

 ▢ Make sure you have a working smoke alarm

 ▢ Keep heat sources clear

 ▢ Know your exit route

 ▢ Avoid blocking exits with equipment or furniture

Be prepared for minor injuries

When you’re working from home, there isn’t an office first aider nearby. So it’s important to be prepared for small, everyday incidents.

You should:

 ▢ Know where a basic first aid kit is kept in your home

 ▢ Make sure it’s stocked with essentials like plasters, antiseptic wipes and bandages

 ▢ Know who to contact at work if you have a work-related injury

If you’re injured while working from home, even if it seems minor, let your manager know. They may need to record the incident and offer support.

You don’t need specialist equipment in most cases. But having basic supplies and knowing what to do gives you confidence if something happens. 

Remember - your wellbeing matters too

Working from home can blur the boundaries between your work and home life. It’s important to check in with yourself regularly to look after your mental wellbeing.

Ask yourself:

 ▢ Do my manager and my team know my usual working hours, how to contact me and when they can contact me?

 ▢ Am I switching off at the end of the day?

 ▢ Am I taking proper breaks?

 ▢ Do I feel comfortable raising concerns about workload?

 ▢ Am I speaking to my manager and team regularly?

If you’re struggling, speak to your manager early. Support is there, but only if they know you need it. 

If something changes

If your home set-up changes, you move house, develop pain or have a health condition that affects your work, let your manager know.

Have questions or concerns?

If you’re unsure about your set-up or your safety, speak to your manager. It’s always better to ask than to guess. Working from home works best when everyone feels comfortable raising concerns and asking for support. 

This resource was created in partnership with health and safety experts at Omny Group. It is intended as general guidance only and designed for low-risk small to medium sized businesses. For tailored legal advice and support, you can get in touch with the Omny Health & Safety team here.